Follow the city’s bars and clubs from sunset to dawn with this guide to going out at night in Porto, with ten must-stops until dawn.
Porto’s nightlife is a small but intense world, concentrated in a handful of busy areas where it’s possible to combine classic venues with the many clubs that keep popping up with new ideas. This concise guide of what to do in Porto, between the sun’s departure and re-entry, has it all – from craft beer to lull you to the end of the day, to temples of dance where time doesn’t count. But before you even start drinking, or doing a dance step, reserve a table at one of the city’s new restaurants.
Have fun, but wisely.
For a glass at the end of the day
Catraio Craft Beer Shop
This was the first space in Porto dedicated to craft beer and it is still as important as ever. Here the focus is on Portuguese beer, from north to south, but there are also foreign beers carefully selected by Catraio’s team. The cherry on top of the cake is the fact that it has two terraces: one in the street at the front door, and a beer garden in the back.
Mirajazz
This is a project connected to the Miragaia Musical Group, where jazz is the most important, both in the playlist that is played during the week, and on Saturdays with live music. They feature wine from several regions, along with a variety of craft beers and some spirits. The drinks can be paired with snacks and sweets.
The Royal Cocktail Club
Cocktails are in fashion and The Royal Cocktail Club is a bar specializing in the art of cocktails, housed in a building that is over 100 years old. There is a carefully curated menu of signature cocktails, prepared by the Club’s experienced bartenders.
To warm up
Café au Lait
Here you start dancing early. The music selection usually pleases everyone, without ever wavering. You can shake your hips to the sound of hip-hop, dubstep, techno, disco, or more exploratory electronics. Besides, it is a good refuge for when the Rua da Galeria de Paris is crowded and noisy.
Casa do Livro
Have you ever imagined a bar in an old bookstore? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Casa do Livro, in downtown Porto. As far as music is concerned, there is music for all tastes: from soul to jazz, live music and even DJs. And, of course, the theme is not limited to the name – the walls are full of books.
To dance
Gare Clube
The Gare has one of the best programs in town. It invests in a monthly schedule filled with top DJs, both international and national. Jeff Mills, Ben Klock, Nina Kraviz and Helena Hauff are some of the names that have played there. It’s for those who take dance music seriously, with techno as the main course.
Pérola Negra
The mythical Black Pearl sex club has reopened as a nightclub. The name and decor have been kept and the music at the beginning of the night is more revivalist, but as the night progresses and more people arrive, it gives way to house and disco, from yesterday and today.
Maus Hábitos
This is one of the most popular bars in Porto. And one of the most eclectic. Here a bit of everything happens, from concerts with national and international names to hip-hop, electronic and pop music parties, from cinema sessions to performances, from conferences to exhibitions.
Indústria
A mythical club in Foz where the watchwords are “dance until dawn” (and then rest on the beach just outside). Indústria’s program includes a regular schedule of DJs and producers who are making headlines abroad. Techno and house are the main coordinates, which can be heard on one of the best sound systems in the country.
Plano B
It is one of the pioneers of ‘movida’ (animation) in Porto and is still here to rule. It has one of the most eclectic programs in town, with various types of music for various types of audiences. This includes concerts, international producers who are making a lot of noise, and national DJs.